DOrSU Eyes Opening of External Class in Lupon
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) is exploring the establishment of an external class in the Municipality of Lupon to expand access to higher education for students in the western part of the province.
A public forum was held on July 28 at the Lupon Municipal Gymnasium to present and deliberate on the proposed initiative. The forum brought together key stakeholders, including DOrSU officials led by University President Dr. Roy G. Ponce; representatives from the local government unit headed by Mayor Santos Q. Alonzo and Vice Mayor Atty. Christian Lawrence Go; and officials from the Department of Education, notably the Lupon West District led by Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) Julieta I. Sumalinog, and the Lupon East District represented by OIC-PSDS Renato Adlawan. Also in attendance were barangay leaders, school principals, parents, students, and DOrSU Board of Regents Member Atty. Bambi Palma Gil-Roflo.
During the dialogue, participants raised concerns over the challenges faced by students who commute to Mati City for college, including long travel hours, high transportation costs, and financial constraints that discourage many from pursuing tertiary education.
Dr. Ponce outlined the university’s requirements for establishing an extension class and encouraged students to begin preparing for the university’s entrance examinations.
Programs being considered for the Lupon extension include degrees in Hotel Management, Education, and other fields aligned with local development needs. A feasibility study is currently underway to assess infrastructure capacity, faculty requirements, and operational readiness.
Mayor Alonzo welcomed the initiative, saying it directly addresses a long-standing educational gap in the municipality. “Many of our youth are unable to pursue college due to distance and financial limitations,” He said. “Bringing DOrSU to Lupon would make higher education more accessible.”
DOrSU currently maintains extension programs in other areas of the province and views the Lupon initiative as another opportunity to connect underserved communities with quality public education.
While no definitive timeline has been set, university officials and local leaders expressed optimism about the prospects of establishing the extension site.
(DOrSU PIO)
